Qld LNP stresses support for nuclear ban
The Queensland opposition has stressed it does not support lifting a ban on nuclear energy, in a submission to an inquiry into the power source led by federal colleagues.
State LNP energy spokesman Michael Hart has highlighted a number of issues to the inquiry into the pre-requisites for nuclear energy in Australia.
It said nuclear waste was a long term proposition for future generations, while health and safety issues could be unacceptably high and security implications mean generators could be a terror risk.
The submission also said the commercial and political risks with lifting the ban are substantial and encouraged increased investment in renewable energy.
Earlier this week, former Liberal MP and current Queensland's Resources Council boss Ian Macfarlane said Australia should consider nuclear energy and the Labor state government's ban on uranium mining is "ideological".
In July, Federal Nationals MP Ken O'Dowd said his electorate, which includes Gladstone 500km north of Brisbane, would accept a local nuclear power plant, claiming the energy source was the "safest" for electricity.
In response to Mr Hart's submission, Katter Australia Party state MP Robbie Katter accused the party of "playing it safe" on energy policy.
"It looks as though the LNP have lost their mettle and caved into the irrational ideological fear that now drives our energy debate," he said in a statement.
"Nothing should be off the table."
